My legs are killing me, I thought to myself as I ran.

Why did it have to come to this?

I couldn't even shift. I'm so much slower than wolves, yet they have been chasing and toying with me for the last couple of hours and my limbs are starting to ache, my muscles burn and at any moment, my lungs feel like they're going to collapse; my face throbs painfully from earlier events when everything crashed and burned.

I'm pretty sure I'm not going to fully heal from that.

At this point the forest is moving in slow motion, no matter how fast I run. I can hear the howls and the heavy padding of paws behind me. I don't even know which way I ran, I just knew that I had to run because if I didn't, death was inevitable and it would buy my sister time.

...*A couple of hours earlier*...

I stomped my way through the pack village, fuming more with each step I took. I know our Alpha is unshakable in his resolve on punishments but this was too far.

Matthias, friend of mine, if you include I didn't really have any, ran behind me after informing me of the events, begging me to stop my pursuit.

My sister.

I seethed in blind anger. Triaa and I were prone to get into trouble. Me, because my mouth got the best of me usually along with my temper, especially here of late and my sister because not only her mouth but curiosity always got the best of her.

If you had any siblings, no matter your rank, if one did something to upset the Alpha, the others got punished as well. With this being said, it might be a public lashing, a few days without food or water OR maybe even a fight but to take my sister's left eye?

That was the limit.

I didn't have to look far when one of our pack warriors snatched me up by my arm and slammed me on the ground causing Matthias to halt in his tracks and my head to bounce off of a fodder rack, disorienting me temporarily.

"Gamma Noir, I am to take you to our village center. Alpha's orders," the warrior stated hatefully.

Well, his tone is absolutely rude, I thought and a part of me, a part that has been pushing on my mind and bones, hummed in agreement.

"Don't touch me," I snap back, staring at the mutt.

"I am more than capable of walking without you dragging me along like some chained tyke."

I paused a moment when he didn't so much as react. "Hands off," I seethed.

He removed his hand from my arm, the pressure on my bones returning again spontaneously as my irritation began to rise further.

I heard a throaty growl from the warrior before he pushed me forward towards the village center. He periodically did this until I stood in front of Alpha Calder.

I scrunch my nose at his presence and appearance. His appearance alone made me roll my eyes to the heavens.

Alpha Calder was a hearty man standing on average around 6'3" and every bit lean. Today he was wearing deer skin or maybe elk, who cares at this point, leather trousers, his chest completely bare before the Gods and pack, aside from the infuriating bear fur "cape" he had draped over his shoulders conjoined in the middle with a piece of thin, narrow fabric.

I rolled my eyes even further back in my head as that pressure returned and a random purr of approval on my end. I ignored it and eyed my Alpha.

Despite my ranking, I'm still below him. My family is the lowest rank of the higher ranks, falling under the category of Gamma, a rank before Salutary, a herbal wolf.

However, I'm still defiant to most of my Alpha's orders, due to the lack of them feeling moral and just, which gets me horribly punished along with my sister but fortunately, my sister usually shares the same feelings on certain matters so it's pretty equal.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I hear him speak. "Kneel, Noir."

I cringe at his voice but refuse to move. When I don't do as he ordered, he repeats himself again in a deeper, more threatening tone which intensifies gravity causing my body to automatically take a knee.

"As you are already accustomed to punishment," he boomed but seemed exceptionally annoyed which caused me to smile.

"I'm sure you heard but I'll tell you directly— your sister committed a crime against the Moon Rock Pack and me. Earlier, there was a meeting with both Alphas of the Dark Wood Pack and the Blood Stone Pack— in simple terms, to discuss a treaty. Your sister was caught spying on the meeting. What do you have to say about this," he barked, looking unimpressed?

Keeping a knee, I stared at him before eventually snorting.

"What does that have to do with anything? Who gives a boar's *** about your secret pack meetings," I question.

Alpha Calder's lip twitched.

This, I've learned, with constantly being in 'trouble' about one thing or another, was equivalent to an emotional outburst.

"**** him," that presence stated, the pressure picking up again in my bones causing me to break into a sweat despite the cool temperature.

My Alpha didn't say anything as I'm jerked up by my hair, so I'm now standing.

I am so sick of this shit.

"You will receive the same punishment as your sister then be detained alongside her until further notice," he said, causing my blood to boil and my body to feel uncomfortably tight.

"Fight or flight, right?"

There was that little voice again, a hint of dangerous humor with it.

I grinned at Calder who for a moment looked confused.

"I see," I began. "Well, if that is the case, you're going to have to catch me first."

His blue orbs flickered and bled into black as his body shook.

****!

I never really thought things through. This was a downfall for me usually. Before I could back up and put enough space between us, he transformed, his wolf lashing out before the transformation was fully complete.

When he did, the claw that was about to be a part of his soon-to-be paw raked down the right side of my face.

If there was pain, I didn't feel it at that moment because right then, I spun on my heel and ran straight for the tree line.

I ran like the devil himself was chasing me. When I breached the forest, howls erupted and the chase began.

...*Now*...

I pushed myself even harder to get away, not sure if I had even crossed our territory's border yet but began to slow as I was reaching my limits. My body was becoming ever so slowly heavy.

It was then I tripped, falling to my side and before I could regain my upright position, I saw it; lunging from the direction I was running from, a wolf came flying at me.

Rolling to my back right as he was about to land on me, I shot my legs out and up, hitting him in the chest and flipping him over me. I roll over in time to see the wolf's head hit a rock with an ear shattering smack then remain motionless.

The other's sounded a little far off but I wasn't about to wait around with this game of Cat and Mouse to see if I was right.

I sprang up and began running again. That was then I could smell it. Water. That little voice piped again, making itself known.

Finally!

Changing direction, I ran towards it. The only thing blocking my path now was a small wall of rocks, shrubbery and a bit more foliage.

I leapt forward.

See, my plan was to jump, hit the ground top part first with my arms extended, roll and keep running. However, that didn't happen. Not even halfway through my jump, a wolf sprang up, hitting my entire front side with it's back causing me to fall to the ground with a gasp, pain shooting up my hip.

I didn't even have time to recover before a large snout rolled me over. I followed the snout to the creature that now had me pinned underneath them and just blinked.

Looking down at me was golden eyes riddled with specks of silver. Something about them was captivating but that feeling vanished as quickly as it came when the wolf growled.

The wolf backed up to where his front paws were right past my feet.

I used that small window to quickly observe my captor because honestly, I'm probably going to die.

This wolf was massive.

Bigger than even Calder.

It was covered in a deep russet pelt with a fade of white on its chest, belly and neck. That's about all I was really able to take in when it lowered its massive head and began sniffing me.

Wait, what?

It began at my feet and made its way up my body until it got to my chest and neck then stopped to look back down at me. When it did, the wolf's demeanor slightly changed. Once flat ears against carmine fur now were perked straight up like it had realized something.

I tried scooting back but a massive paw was placed gently on my abdomen keeping me in place before it lowered its head again and began licking the wound on my face, cleaning it.

I didn't move, absolutely confused and slightly mortified by what was happening. I guess after I was satisfactory, the wolf straightened itself and looked back down at me but this time, he growled, ears flattening again.

When I flinched away though, they perked up once more but before anything else could happen, a growl erupted from behind the wolf.

When this happened, the wolf on top of me curled its lips to reveal polished teeth as it let out a low rumbling growl that was almost carried away in the wind. It's thick pelt began to rise and stand sharply on end as the growls behind it multiplied.

It was then though, the thunderous sound of paws beating the earth came from behind me and craning my neck to the side the best I could, I saw about 10 more wolves.

Yep. I'm going to die.

Backing up, the wolf looked to one of the wolves that just arrived and as I sat up, the new wolf approached me and bit the back of my shirt and began to drag me back towards the others.

"What the—," was all I could say before the wolf that had been intrigued with me a moment ago, snapped it's head in my direction and snorted almost as if he was laughing before turning to face the others.

Looking past him to see the other wolves, I didn't need an introduction to know exactly who they were and why they were there.

Alpha Calder.

The wolf that had been over me a moment ago shifted and there, in all its glory, stood Alpha Alistair.

I watched dumbfounded and looked up when the wolf that had me wedged between his front legs, snorted. When I did though, I noticed it was the same wolf I kicked earlier and visibly froze at the realization that I hurt another alpha's warrior and not my own.

When he looked down, his gaze softened before nudging me slightly in a form of comfort before looking back at the scene ahead of him.

"Shift."

That was all that was said from Alpha Alistair's lips before Alpha Calder and his posse shifted, now ***** and standing proudly before the other. The two men stared at the other before Alpha Alistair spoke.

"What is the meaning of this," he boomed, staring at my alpha.

Alpha Calder shifted ever so slightly, a movement so subtle that anyone would have missed it if they weren't looking for it before squaring his shoulders and said, "This woman has committed crimes against the Moon Rock Pack, her own pack, including her Alpha."

Before I could protest, he continued, "She was found sneaking into her Alpha and Luna's quarters ready to assassinate them."

My jaw visibly dropped as he tossed a dagger to Alpha Alistair who just stared down the piece of sharpened forged metal before passing me a glance over his shoulder.

"If this was an assassina—," Alpha Alistair began but before he could say anything further, let alone finish, I sprang up, his warrior once again holding onto the back of my shirt in his massive jaws. Despite that, I tried taking a step forward, pointing a finger at him.

I was livid.

The anger swirled unrestrained in my stomach causing my head to swim and made my heart feel like my blood had become tar as it struggled to keep a steady beat.

Pretending to jab him with my index finger, I shouted, "You know that is a lie, Calder."

My voice dripped with venom as I spoke, not even caring to use his title.

That didn't go unnoticed though. The wolf restraining me and his comrades shifted with unease at my rudeness and Alpha Alistair shot me a look over his shoulder but too much surprise, it wasn't anger. Confusion at first, yes but then it morphed into something else. Admiration? I didn't know as he turned back to face my delusional Alpha.

Clearing his throat, Alpha Alistair knelt down to pick up the dagger and rolled the piece of sharpened metal in his palm as he examined Calder.

"Alpha Alistair," Calder spoke finally. "Give me the girl."

With those words, I was jerked back by the wolf holding onto me causing me to fall on my rear as he now pretty much stood over me.

"If I did, what would come of her," Alpha Alistair questioned, his body completely stiff.

Calder looked past him and stared directly at me, a ghost of a smile touching his lips, "she attempted to commit the highest forms of treason. Since she hasn't shifted yet and can't be killed by our tradition, her punishment is public execution in the gallows, beheading."

At that moment, the new warriors tensed, growls escaping them as they shifted from one paw to another. Even the wolf 'safeguarding' me growled, saliva dripping from his maw onto my pant leg.

That is disgusting.

I looked up to see Alpha Alistair had turned just enough to stare at me and a look of what seemed like recognition flashed across his face before scowling, turning to look back at Calder. "No," he said lazily, taking my Alpha and his warriors by surprise. Hell, he took me by surprise.

"What is the meaning of this, Alpha Alistair," Calder stood stunned. "She is part of my pack and I'm taking her back with me."

Rolling his shoulders, Alpha Alistair stood his full height, resting his arms behind his head.

"I'm taking the girl with me. She is mine now," with this being said, Alpha Alistair turned his back to Calder and began walking towards the wolves and I.

"BEHIND YOU!" I shouted, trying to jump up only for my head to ram into the belly of the wolf above me.

It was then I tried to crawl out from beneath him as he plopped down on me, keeping me planted.

I watched Alpha Alistair spin around as a wolf charged him but didn't make it far before he threw something. A streak of silver raced across my vision and I followed it with equal speed. The dagger embedded itself in the wolf's skull with a sharp thud as the canine dropped.

The Alpha didn't move as he stared down at the dead animal before averting his attention back to Calder, a growl rumbling through him.

"I said the she-bitch is coming with me. Next time you try doing something to harm her, myself or a member of my pack, I will make a public example out of you as your head rests on a pike in your pack center while delivering each one of your limbs to neighboring packs. Do I make myself clear?"

At that moment, I wanted to say something due to his insult towards me but couldn't help flashing a shit-eating grin in Calder's direction as he took a couple steps back.

"Also. There is a girl in your dungeon I want as well," he said matter of factly. "I expect her at the border before nightfall, no further harm to her, more than you have already done or I will personally retrieve her myself."

My heart pounded in my chest at the thought of my sister. I knew I had bought Triaa time by making Calder chase me. How Alpha Alistair knew about her was beyond me though. Looking up at them, Calder glared daggers into Alpha Alistair before nodding, leaving me behind.

After a prolonged moment I sighed before jabbing the wolf that was on me in the leg. "Oi. Do mind getting off me? It's hard to breathe and you're heavy."

A growl caught my attention. Snapping my head in the direction of the sound, Alpha Alistair stood a few feet away, honey hues bleeding into golden orbs.

Instantly the wolf on me jumped up, backing away. Standing, I dusted myself off, glaring down at my torn shirt before looking up to see Alpha Alistair gaze. Now looking him over, this man was unworldly. Not only did power radiate off him but sweet Máni, his sex appeal. Every inch of him was rippling with lean muscle.

Scanning over his chest which was covered in perfectly lined chest hair; it was hard to suppress a moan as I noticed tribal ink blessed his right peck and traveled down his right side not to mention his right arm.

"Beautiful creature, isn't he?" A voice purred in my head as if someone was actually talking in my ear causing me to jump.

This action didn't go unseen by Alpha Alistair as he moved forward now standing before me. It was then his scent hit me like a ton of bricks making my core heat up and the pressure on my bones almost unbearable. I couldn't help but breathe in his exotic scent. No scented oils. Just earthy, virile male. Crisp, like air cleansed by a rainstorm. It was intoxicating.

My attention was brought back to Alpha Alistair as he leaned down, smelling me again, his nose in my neck. Jumping back, I threw my hands up, heat spreading across my face.

"Hey, woah! Can you stop doing that," I ask.

The Alpha stepped back with a huff. There is a brooding air about him that reminded me of a brewing storm gathering strength. I couldn't deny that I was strongly attracted to that quality in him and this only made the voice in my head re-emerge.

"Like I said, he is a beautiful creature."

Máni - God of the Moon

Alpha Alistair eyed me a moment longer before blinking, his honey irises replacing his golden ones.

"You're going to come back with me to my pack," he stated, breaking me out of my trance.

"Well, I kind of figured that since you didn't let that asshole take me," I retorted, rolling my eyes. "But why didn't you?"

Moving quicker than I could comprehend, his hand grabbed my chin causing fingers to squish my cheeks making me look like a bloated fish.

Keeping his hand in place, he gently shook my head side to side and spoke, "I'm going to go ahead and assume this mouth of yours is the reason you get into trouble."

When he said that, I couldn't help but stick my tongue out at him, causing him to laugh. Releasing me, Alpha Alistair took a few steps back, placing his hands lazily behind his head again.

"I'm not sure I should answer your question," he chirped, the look of gaiety still on his face.

"Well, isn't he a snarky one," the voice spoke again.

"Will you shut up already, you're making it hard to focus," I mentally chided before turning my attention back to Alpha Alistair who was now staring at me with a devious grin.

"Why are you staring at me with that creepy smile," I questioned, folding my hands across my chest.

Alpha Alistair remained silent and unmoving which caused a cold sweat to trickle down my spine.

He's so creepy.

"If you're not going to answer my question then I'm just going to go," I said, dragging out the word 'go'.

That seemed to catch his attention causing him to lunge at me.

Startled by his sudden movement, I jumped before pivoting to the right and ran. I heard him shout something to one of his wolves. Something along the lines of, "stay— nightfall—return after—."

I was already out of earshot to really make out what he was saying and just as I thought I got away, a howl broke through the silence causing my heart to slam harder against my chest.

I could hear him but I couldn't see him.

Where is he?

Just then he appeared, charging my left side, scaring the living hell out of me. Instantly I ran right, rounding a boulder but losing my footing on the forest floor. As I hit the ground, I rolled to my side and looked at his wolf trying to stop until he smacked into the massive rock.

I sprang up, a hand on my head laughing as I pointed at him. That was short-lived however when I heard him growl. It was like the negative reflection of my heartbeat. The untamed power reverberated and echoed across the darkening landscape.

For every step I took back, he took two steps forward until my back hit a tree, halting my movements. Seeing this, he shifted faster than anyone I had ever seen and if I had blinked, I would've missed it.

In three quick strides Alpha Alistair was standing directly in front of me, slamming his hands down on the tree, completely caging me in.

Leaning down, he got eye level with me, burning a hole through me with his golden orbs.

"Do NOT ever do that again, do you understand me," he growled, his body shaking. "Never run from me again, Noir." That last sentence came off much softer, catching me off guard. The tone seemed foreign coming from this man.

How does he know my name?

That stupid voice in my head chuckled. Before I could chide her, Alpha Alistair leaned closer with a sigh, smelling the nape of my neck. Backing up, the once angry alpha rubbed the back of his neck looking a bit ashamed and sighed.

"I will answer your questions but not here. Nebo, my Beta along with the warriors you saw earlier will retrieve your sister," he paused as he watched me, making sure I was listening and understanding.

*There it is again. How did he know she was my sister? Creep.*

"Me and you, however, are returning to Dark Wood. Since you can't shift yet, I'll carry you."

Nodding, I watched him shift into his enormous wolf. I couldn't help but imagine a saddle being placed on him. The simple thought had me laughing as Alpha Alistair looked completely dumbfounded before looking around then down at himself, lifting a paw up to examine his under belly.

When he decided there was nothing wrong with him, he looked at me and tilted his massive head to the side.

I wonder what his wolf's name is.

I pondered on this as I reached out to pet his muzzle. He closed his eyes and purred.

"Rune." Here we go again. Whatever. I'll bite.

"Rune," I question.

"His name, it's Rune." I could practically feel an eye roll.

"How do you know that," I asked but got nothing in return. "I just want you to know, you're absolutely rude."

On that note.

Stepping back a little, I smiled. "Rune," was all I said before his eyes shot open to stare at me. A happy bark escaped him causing me to laugh and step back further now pretending to be serious.

"Alright, down boy. Didn't you say we had to get going," I questioned as he snorted, lowering his massive body to the ground until his belly was flush with the earth.  Using his snout, he hoisted me up and as he stood, I couldn't help thinking back to what originally had me laughing. Kicking him gently, I straightened myself and pointed straight ahead and shouted, "ONWARD NOBLE STEED!"

He looked back at me with the blankest expression I've ever seen on any creature causing me to bust into a fit of laughter and shrug.

After a moment, we were gone.